PreReqs

How Do I Apply?

Standards for Admission Prerequisites Special Considerations When Will I Hear?

How Do I Apply?

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There are two main admissions mechanisms, Plan A for those applicants who already have or will have their undergraduate degree at the time of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) matriculation, and Plan B for those students who will not yet have achieved completion of their first undergraduate degree.

PLAN A:

Applicants with a B.S. or B.A. degree in any major field of study from an accredited college or university may qualify for DVM admission under Plan A.

The minimum requirements under Plan A are:

  • 8 semester hours of biological sciences, with laboratories
  • 15 semester hours of chemical sciences (CHANGE EFFECTIVE STARTING VMCAS 2024-25 APPLICATION PERIOD), including inorganic (general), organic, and biochemistry; both inorganic and organic must include laboratories (a minimum of 3 semester hours of chemical science laboratories is required)
  • 8 semester hours of physics, with laboratories.

PLAN B:

Individuals may apply without a B.S. or B.A. degree but they are required to complete a minimum of 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university, including 44 hours of science courses.

The minimum requirements under Plan B are:

  • 8 semester hours of biological sciences, with laboratories
  • 15 semester hours of chemical sciences (CHANGE EFFECTIVE STARTING VMCAS 2024-25 APPLICATION PERIOD), including inorganic (general), organic, and biochemistry; both inorganic and organic must include laboratories (a minimum of 3 semester hours of chemical science laboratories is required)
  • 8 semester hours of physics, with laboratories
  • 3 semester hours of English composition
  • Another 3 semester hours of English composition and/or speech
  • 12 semester hours of humanities and/or social sciences
  • 12 semester hours of junior/senior level (or graduate level) science courses in addition to those listed above. These courses could include, but are not limited to, any of the following: advanced biology, zoology, anatomy, physiology, histology, microbiology, genetics.

UNDER EITHER PLAN A OR PLAN B:

  • Correspondence studies will not be considered as satisfying required course work.
  • Pass/fail courses will not be considered as satisfying required course work.

PREREQUISITE COURSES IN PLANS A OR B:

Biological sciences:

These courses should emphasize the molecular basis for heredity, evolution, development, and the structure and function of cells, organisms, and populations. Additional course work in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, cell and molecular biology, advanced biology, and genetics is encouraged.

Chemistry:

Laboratory work and familiarity with quantitative techniques are important aspects of this experience. The biochemistry course should have an organic chemistry prerequisite and should emphasize the chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, and coenzymes and their role in the regulation of cellular processes.

Physics:

These courses should include the topics of mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism, with appropriate laboratories.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR PREREQUISITE COURSES REGARDING PLAN B ONLY:

English:

  • The courses should emphasize and give practice in methods of exposition, argument, use of evidence, and style.
  • One semester of speech communication may be substituted for a second semester of composition.

Humanities and social sciences:

  • Courses in philosophy, psychology, sociology, history, fine arts, economics, foreign language, and related courses develop reasoning, problem-solving, and communication skills that are crucial to success in veterinary medicine.

Electives:

  • Any additional upper-level (Jr., Sr. or graduate) science courses with some relevance to the veterinary curriculum will be beneficial to the student in both gaining admission and in furthering the understanding of the material presented in the professional curriculum.

Suggested electives include, but are not limited to:

  • Anatomy
  • Zoology
  • Physiology
  • Neuroanatomy or neurophysiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Nutrition